Gender Differences in the Impact of Abuse and Neglect Victimization on Adolescent Offending Behavior

Date

2015

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Journal of Family Violence

Abstract

The present study examines gender differences in the association between abuse and neglect during childhood, and sexual and violent offending in juvenile delinquents. Female juvenile delinquents were more frequently victim of sexual and physical abuse and had a history of neglect and maltreatment than male juvenile offenders. Male juvenile offenders committed more sexual offenses and felony offenses against persons. Female juvenile offenders reported higher levels of having committed misdemeanor offenses against persons and violence that were not included in criminal history. A history of sexual abuse was related to sexual offending, while a history of physical abuse was related to violent offending. The relationships between victimization and offending were stronger in male juvenile offenders than in female juvenile offenders.

Description

Keywords

adolescent offender, gender differences, victimization, antisocial behavior

Citation

Asscher, J. J., Van der Put, C. E., & Stams, G. J. J. M. (2015). Gender Differences in the Impact of Abuse and Neglect Victimization on Adolescent Offending Behavior. Journal of Family Violence, 30, 215–225.

DOI